CN1382164A - Copolymers of aminopropyl vinyl ether - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to antimicrobial polymers which can be obtained by copolymerizing vinyl ethers of general formula (I), especially 3-aminopropyl vinyl ethers, with additional aliphatically unsaturated monomers, and to a method for the production thereof. The polymers can also be produced by graft copolymerizing a substrate, whereby a covalently bound coating is obtained on the surface of the substrate. The antimicrobial polymers can be used as a microbicide coating, among other things, on hygiene articles or in the field of medicine, as well as in paints or protective paint coatings.

Description

Copolymer of aminopropyl vinyl ether

The present invention relates to antimicrobial polymers obtained by copolymerization of amino-functionalized vinyl ethers with other monomers. The invention further relates to processes for the preparation of these antimicrobial polymers and their use.

The invention also relates to antimicrobial polymers obtained by graft copolymerization of amino-functionalized vinyl ethers with other monomers on substrates, to processes for the preparation of these graft copolymers and to their use.

The growth and spread of bacteria on the surfaces of lines, containers or packaging is particularly undesirable. Sludge layers are often formed and the microbial population can increase dramatically, which can lead to continuous damage to the quality of water, beverages and food, and even spoil the products and damage the health of consumers.

Germs must be kept away from all living areas where hygiene is important. This affects fabrics in direct body contact (especially the genital area), and fabrics for elderly and sick care. Germs must also be kept away from surfaces of furniture and instruments in wards, especially in intensive care and neonatal care areas of hospitals, especially in medical emergency areas, and in isolation wards for dangerous infectious diseases, as well as in washrooms.

The current method of treating fixtures, or furniture and fabric surfaces when this becomes necessary or as a precautionary measure, is to use chemicals or solutions or mixtures thereof which have a fairly broad spectrum or general microbicidal action as disinfectants. Such chemical agents act non-specifically and are often themselves toxic or irritating, or form degradation products that are harmful to health. Furthermore, once people become sensitized, they often show an intolerance to these substances.

Another way to counteract the spread of bacteria on surfaces is to incorporate microbiologically active substances into the substrate.

Tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate is a commercially available monomer in methacrylate chemistry and is used especially as the hydrophilic component in copolymerizations. For example, EP-PS 0 290 676 describes various polyacrylates and polymethacrylates as bases for bacteriostatic quaternary ammonium compounds.

In another technical field, US-PS 4 532 269 discloses terpolymers of butyl methacrylate, tributyltin methacrylate and tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate. This polymer is used as an antimicrobial paint for ships, where the hydrophilic tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate promotes gradual corrosion of the polymer, thus releasing highly toxic tributyltin methacrylate as a microbicide.

In these applications, the polymers prepared with aminomethacrylates are merely substrates or carrier materials for the addition of microbicides from which they diffuse or migrate. Such polymers lose their effect more or less quickly if the "minimum inhibitory concentration" (MIC) is no longer reached on the surface.

European Patent Applications 0 862 858 and 0 862 859 disclose that homo- and copolymers of tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, a methacrylate with secondary amino functionality, have intrinsic microbicidal properties. In order to avoid unsuitable resistance phenomena of microorganisms, in particular in view of the resistance phenomena known from antimicrobial studies developed by bacteria, systems developed in the future must also be based on new compositions with improved efficacy.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to develop new polymers having an antimicrobial effect which prevents the multiplication and spread of bacteria on surfaces.

It has now surprisingly been found that the copolymerization of amino-functionalized vinyl ethers with aliphatically unsaturated monomers, and the graft copolymerization of these components on the substrate, results in permanent antimicrobial, solvent and physical stress resistant Migrating polymers are present. This means that no other biocides need to be used.

3-Aminopropyl vinyl ether is a commercially available product, the preparation of which can be found, for example, in EP 0514,710. It is used in particular by itself as an additive to photoresist systems (for example as described in US 5648194), or as a structural component of adhesion promoters in specific urethane-silanes (for example as described in US 5 384 342). The use of such compounds in antimicrobial polymers is not known.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an antimicrobial copolymer obtained by copolymerizing a vinyl ether of the general formula with at least one aliphatically unsaturated monomer: Wherein R ¹ is a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R ² , R ³ are H or a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, wherein R ² and ^R3 may be the same or different.

In order to obtain a sufficient antimicrobial effect from the polymers, the proportion of vinyl ether in the reaction mixture should be 5 to 98 mol %, preferably 30 to 98 mol %, particularly preferably 50 to 98 mol %, based on the total weight of the monomers.

The aliphatically unsaturated monomer used may be any monomer which enters into the copolymerization with the vinyl ether of the general formula above. Examples of suitable monomers are acrylates or methacrylates such as acrylic acid, tert-butyl or methyl methacrylate, styrene, vinyl chloride, vinyl ether, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, olefins (ethylene , propylene, butene or isobutene), allyl compounds, vinyl ketones, vinyl acetic acid, vinyl acetate or vinyl esters, especially, for example methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate ester, tert-butyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, tert-butylaminoethyl, 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-diethylaminoethyl Vinyl ether, N-3-dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, 3-methacryloylaminopropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl chloride ammonium or 2-methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium methosulfate.

The aliphatic unsaturated monomer is preferably an acrylic compound or a methacrylic compound, and the vinyl ether of the above general formula is preferably 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether.

The antimicrobial copolymers of the present invention can be obtained by copolymerizing vinyl ethers of the general formula above (especially 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether) with one or more aliphatic unsaturated monomers. Polymerization typically uses free radical initiators or by radiation-induced free-radical polymerization. Typical processes are described in these examples.

The antimicrobial copolymers according to the invention can also be obtained by copolymerizing vinyl ethers of the above general formula (in particular 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether) with at least one aliphatically unsaturated monomer on the substrate. This results in a physisorbed coating of the antimicrobial copolymer on the substrate.

Suitable substrate materials are in particular all polymer plastics, such as polyurethane, polyamide, polyester or polyether, polyether block amides, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyorganosiloxane, poly Corresponding copolymers and blends of olefins, polysulfones, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and natural and synthetic rubbers (with or without radiation-sensitive groups). The method of the invention can be used on coated or otherwise plastic-coated metal, glass or wood surfaces.

In a further embodiment of the invention, these copolymers can be obtained by graft polymerizing the base with vinyl ethers of the general formula above, in particular 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether with at least one aliphatically unsaturated monomer preparation. Substrate grafting allows the covalent attachment of the antimicrobial copolymer to the substrate. Substrates that can be used are any polymeric material, such as the plastics mentioned above.

Before graft copolymerization, the surface of the substrate can be activated by various methods. Any standard method of surface activation of polymers can be used here, for example the substrates can be activated by UV radiation, plasma treatment, corona treatment, flame treatment, ozone treatment, electric discharge or gamma radiation etc. well established methods before graft polymerization. These surfaces are usually first solvent-freed of oil, grease or other contaminants in a known manner.

These substrates can be activated with UV radiation having a wavelength in the range from 170 to 400 nm, preferably from 170 to 250 nm. A suitable radiation source is eg the Noblelight UV excimer instrument from HERAEUS, Hanau, Deutschland. However, mercury vapor lamps are also suitable for substrate activation as long as they emit a substantial proportion of radiation within the above range. The exposure time is usually 0.1 second to 20 minutes, preferably 1 second to 10 minutes.

Activation of the substrate with UV radiation prior to graft polymerization can also be carried out with additional photosensitizers. For example, a photosensitizer such as benzophenone can be applied to the surface of the substrate and then irradiated. Mercury vapor lamps can also be used here, with an exposure time of 0.1 second to 20 minutes, preferably 1 second to 10 minutes.

According to the invention, activation can also be achieved by plasma treatment in an air, nitrogen or argon atmosphere using RF or microwave plasma (Hexagon, Technics Plasma, 85551 Kirchheim, Deutschland). The exposure time is usually 2 seconds to 30 minutes, preferably 5 seconds to 10 minutes. For laboratory installations, the power supplied is from 100 to 500W, preferably from 200 to 300W.

A corona device (SOFTAL, Hamburg, Deutschland) was also used for activation. The exposure time in this case is generally 1 to 10 min, preferably 1 to 60 seconds.

Activation by electric discharge, electron beam or gamma radiation (eg from a cobalt-60 source), and ozonation can result in short exposure times, typically 0.1 to 60 seconds.

The substrate surface can also be activated by flame treatment. Suitable devices, especially those with flame-resisting faces, are easily fitted or can be purchased from ARCOTEC, 71297 Mönsheim, Deutschland. They can be operated with hydrocarbon or hydrogen as combustion gas. In all cases, damage to the substrate by overheating must be avoided, which is easily ensured if the surface of the substrate on the side remote from the flame treatment is in intimate contact with the cooled metal surface. Activation by flame treatment is therefore limited to relatively thin sheet-like substrates. The exposure time is usually 0.1 second to 1 minute, preferably 0.5 to 2 seconds. The flame is only matt, the distance between the substrate surface and the outer layer in front of the flame is 0.2 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 2 cm.

The surface of the substrate activated in this way is treated with a vinyl ether (component I) of the above general formula, especially 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether, in combination with one or Various aliphatically unsaturated monomers (component II), if necessary coated in solution. Suitable solvents have proven to be water, ethanol and water/alcohol mixtures, but other solvents can be used as long as they are sufficient to dissolve the monomer and achieve good wetting of the substrate surface. Solutions having a monomer content of 1 to 10 wt%, e.g. about 5 wt%, have proven successful in practice, usually in one pass resulting in a bond coat covering the surface of the substrate with a thickness that can be greater than 0.1 microns .

The graft copolymerization of the monomers applied to the activated surface can generally be initiated by radiation in the short-wave portion of the visible light range or in the long-wave portion of the UV range of electromagnetic radiation. For example, radiation from UV excimers with a wavelength of 250 to 500 nm, preferably 290 to 320 nm, is very suitable. Mercury vapor lamps are also suitable here as long as they have a substantial proportion of radiation in the above-mentioned range. The exposure time is usually 10 seconds to 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 15 minutes.

The graft copolymerization of the comonomer compounds according to the invention can also be achieved by the method described in EP 0 872 512 and is based on the graft copolymerization of monomer molecules and initiator molecules introduced by swelling. The monomer used for swelling may be component II.

Vinyl ethers of the general formula above (component I), especially 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether, with at least one aliphatically unsaturated monomer (component II), even without grafting on the substrate surface The antimicrobial copolymers of the present invention also exhibit microbicidal or antimicrobial properties. Another embodiment of the invention is the copolymerization of components I and II on a substrate.

These components can be applied to the substrate in solution. Examples of suitable solvents are water, ethanol, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ether, dioxane, hexane, heptane, benzene, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran and acetonitrile. Component II can also be used as a solvent for component I.

The antimicrobial copolymers according to the invention can also be used directly, ie without polymerizing the components on the substrate, but as an antimicrobial coating. Suitable coating methods are coating these copolymers in solution or as a melt.

The solutions of the polymers according to the invention can be applied to the substrate by, for example, dipping, spraying or painting.

If the polymers according to the invention are used directly on the substrate surface without grafting, customary free-radical initiators can be added. Examples of initiators which can be used for the preparation of the copolymers according to the invention are in particular azonitriles, alkyl peroxides, hydroperoxides, acyl peroxides, peroxyketones, peresters, peroxycarbonates, peroxodisulfuric acid salts, persulfates, and any common photoinitiators such as acetophenone, alpha-hydroxy ketones, dimethyl ketals, and benzophenones. The polymerization can also be initiated thermally or, as mentioned above, by electromagnetic radiation, such as UV light or gamma-rays.

The antimicrobial polymers of the present invention may also be used as a component in the formulation of inks, paints or other surface coatings. Use of modified polymer bases

The invention also provides the use of the antimicrobial polymers and copolymers of the invention for the production of antimicrobially active products, and the products produced in this way themselves. These products may comprise or consist of the modified polymeric substrates according to the invention. Such products are preferably based on polyamides, polyurethanes, polyether block amides, polyester amides or imides, PVC, polyolefins, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, polymethyl Acrylate or Terephthalate.

Such antimicrobially active products are for example and especially for food processing machine parts, parts in air-conditioning systems, roofing, bathroom and toilet articles, kitchen articles, parts of sanitary installations, parts for animal cages or houses, recreational products, Components of the water system, food packaging, operator console (touch panel) and contact lenses of the unit.

The copolymers or graft copolymers according to the invention can be used in any field in which importance is placed on surfaces that have release properties (Antihafteigenschaften) or on surfaces that are completely bacteria-free (ie microbicidal). Examples of applications of the copolymers or graft polymers according to the invention are in particular paints, protective lacquers and other paints in the following respects.

Marine: ship hulls, docks, buoys, drilling platforms, ballast tanks

Construction: roofs, foundations, walls, building exteriors, greenhouses, sun protection, gardens

Fences, wood protection

Hygiene: Public toilets, bathrooms, shower curtains, toilet items, swimming pools, saunas

Baths, connectors, sealing ingredients

Daily necessities: machines, kitchens, kitchen items, sponge pads, entertainment products,

Food packaging, milk processing, drinking water system, cosmetics

Machine components: air conditioning systems, ion exchangers, water treatment, solar installations,

Heat exchangers, bioreactors, membranes

Medical field: contact lenses, diapers, membranes, implants

Consumer goods: car seats, clothing (socks, sportswear), hospital equipment,

Doorknobs, telephone receivers, public transportation, animal shelters, cash registers,

Carpet and wallpaper covering the entire floor

The invention also provides the use of polymer substrates according to the invention, the surfaces of which have been modified with polymers or processes according to the invention, for the production of hygiene products or articles in medical technology. The same applies to the preferred materials used above. Examples of such hygiene products are toothbrushes, toilet seats, combs and packaging materials. The term hygiene article also includes other objects which under certain circumstances come into contact with many people, such as telephone receivers, stair railings, door handles, window handles, and grip straps and grip handles in public transport. Examples of articles in medical technology are catheters, tubes, protective or backing films, and surgical devices.

The following examples are given to describe the invention in more detail, but are not intended to limit the scope as given by the patent claims.

Example 1

6 g of 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether (Aldrich), 6 g of methyl methacrylate (Aldrich) and 60 ml of ethanol were charged into a three-necked flask and heated to 65°C under argon flow. Then, 0.15 g of azobisisobutyronitrile dissolved in 4 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was slowly added dropwise under stirring. The mixture was heated to 70 °C and stirred at this temperature for 72 h. After the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was added to 0.5 l of deionized water with stirring, whereby the polymer product was precipitated. After filtering off the product, the filter cake was washed with 100 ml of deionized water to remove monomer residues still present. The product was then vacuum dried at 50°C for 24 hours.

Example 1a:

0.05 g of the product from Example 1 were added to 20 ml of a test microorganism suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and shaken. After a contact time of 15 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, S. aureus microorganisms were no longer detectable.

Example 1b:

0.05 g of the product from Example 1 were added to 20 ml of a test microorganism suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shaken. After a contact time of 60 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ² .

Example 2

6 g of 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether (Aldrich), 6 g of butyl methacrylate (Aldrich) and 60 ml of ethanol were added to a three-necked flask and heated to 65 °C under argon flow. Then, 0.15 g of azobisisobutyronitrile dissolved in 4 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was slowly added dropwise under stirring. The mixture was heated to 70 °C and stirred at this temperature for 72 h. At the end of this period, the reaction mixture was added with stirring to 0.5 1 of deionized water, whereby the polymer product was precipitated. After filtering off the product, the filter cake was washed with 100 ml of deionized water to remove monomer residues still present. The product was then vacuum dried at 50°C for 24 hours.

Example 2a:

0.05 g of the product from Example 2 was added to 20 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and shaken. After a contact time of 15 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, S. aureus microorganisms were no longer detectable.

Example 2b:

0.05 g of the product from Example 2 were added to 20 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shaken. After a contact time of 60 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ² .

Example 3

6 g of 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether (Aldrich), 6 g of 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (Aldrich) and 60 ml of ethanol were added to a three-necked flask and heated to 65°C under argon flow. Then, 0.15 g of azobisisobutyronitrile dissolved in 4 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was slowly added dropwise under stirring. The mixture was heated to 70 °C and stirred at this temperature for 72 h. At the end of this period, the reaction mixture was added with stirring to 0.5 1 of deionized water, whereby the polymer product was precipitated. After filtering off the product, the filter cake was washed with 100 ml of deionized water to remove monomer residues still present. The product was then vacuum dried at 50°C for 24 hours. Example 3a:

0.05 g of the product from Example 3 was added to 20 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and shaken. After a contact time of 15 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ² .

Example 3b:

0.05 g of the product from example 3 was added to 20 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shaken. After a contact time of 60 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ² .

Example 4

6 g of 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether (Aldrich), 6 g of tert-butyl methacrylate (Aldfich) and 60 ml of ethanol were added to a three-necked flask and heated to 65 °C under argon flow. Then, 0.15 g of azobisisobutyronitrile dissolved in 4 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was slowly added dropwise under stirring. The mixture was heated to 70 °C and stirred at this temperature for 72 h. At the end of this period, the reaction mixture was added with stirring to 0.5 1 of deionized water, whereby the polymer product was precipitated. After filtering off the product, the filter cake was washed with 100 ml of deionized water to remove monomer residues still present. The product was then vacuum dried at 50°C for 24 hours.

Example 4a:

0.05 g of the product from Example 4 was added to 20 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and shaken. After a contact time of 15 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, S. aureus microorganisms were no longer detectable.

Example 4b:

0.05 g of the product from Example 4 was added to 20 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shaken. After a contact time of 60 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ² . Example 5

The polyamide-12 film was exposed to 172 nm radiation from a Heraeus excimer radiation source for 2 minutes at a pressure of 1 mbar. The film activated in this way is placed in an irradiation reactor under a protective atmosphere and fixed. The film was then covered with a 20 ml mixture of 6 g 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether (Aldrich), 6 g butyl methacrylate (Aldrich) and 60 g ethanol under inert gas convection. The irradiation chamber was sealed and placed at a distance of 10 cm from a Heraeus excimer irradiation unit emitting at a wavelength of 308 nm. Irradiation starts and the time is 15 minutes. The film was then removed and rinsed with 30 ml of ethanol. The film was then vacuum dried at 50°C for 12 hours. The film was then extracted five times in water at 30° C. within 6 hours, and then dried at 50° C. for 12 hours.

The opposite side of the film is then treated in such a way that the finally obtained polyamide film has been coated on both sides with the graft polymer.

Example 5a:

One piece of coated film (5 x 4 cm) from Example 5 was added to 30 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and shaken. After a contact time of 15 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, S. aureus microorganisms were no longer detectable.

Example 5b:

One piece of coated film (5 x 4 cm) from Example 5 was added to 30 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shaken. After a contact time of 60 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ⁴ .

Example 6

The polyamide-12 film was exposed to 172 nm radiation from a Heraeus excimer radiation source for 2 minutes at a pressure of 1 mbar. The film activated in this way is placed in an irradiation reactor under a protective atmosphere and fixed. The film was then covered with a 20 ml mixture of 6 g 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether (Aldrich), 6 g tert-butyl methacrylate (Aldrich) and 60 g ethanol under protective gas convection. The irradiation chamber was sealed and placed at a distance of 10 cm from a Heraeus excimer irradiation unit emitting at a wavelength of 308 nm. Irradiation starts and the time is 15 minutes. The film was then removed and rinsed with 30 ml of ethanol. The film was vacuum dried at 50° C. for 12 hours. The film was then extracted five times in water at 30° C. within 6 hours, and then dried at 50° C. for 12 hours.

The opposite side of the film is then treated in such a way that the finally obtained polyamide film has been coated on both sides with the graft polymer.

Example 6a:

One piece of coated film (5 x 4 cm) from Example 6 was added to 30 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Staphylococcus aureus and shaken. After a contact time of 15 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, S. aureus microorganisms were no longer detectable.

Example 6b:

One piece of coated film (5 x 4 cm) from Example 6 was added to 30 ml of the test microorganism suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and shaken. After a contact time of 60 minutes, 1 ml of the test microorganism suspension was withdrawn and the number of microorganisms in the test mixture was determined. After this time, the microbial count had dropped from 10 ⁷ to 10 ⁴ .

Claims (22)

1. An antimicrobial copolymer obtained by copolymerizing vinyl ethers of the following general formula with at least one aliphatic unsaturated monomer, said general formula being: Wherein R ¹ is a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R ² , R ³ are H, a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, wherein R ² and ^R3 may be the same or different. 2. Antimicrobial copolymer according to claim 1, characterized in that 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether is used as vinyl ether. 3. Antimicrobial polymer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aliphatically unsaturated monomer is a methacrylic compound. 4. Antimicrobial polymer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aliphatically unsaturated monomer is an acrylic compound. 5. The antimicrobial polymer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aliphatic unsaturated monomer used is methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate , methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, tert-butylaminoethyl, 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-diethylaminoethyl vinyl ether, N-3 -Dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide, 3-methacryloylaminopropyltrimethylammonium chloride, 2-methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride or 2-methacryloyl Oxyethyltrimethylammonium Methosulfate. 6. Antimicrobial polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the copolymerization is carried out on a substrate. 7. Antimicrobial polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the copolymerization is carried out as substrate graft polymerization. 8. Antimicrobial polymer according to claim 7, characterized in that the substrate is activated by UV radiation, plasma treatment, corona treatment, flame treatment, ozone treatment, electric discharge or gamma-radiation before graft polymerization. 9. Antimicrobial polymer according to claim 7, characterized in that the substrate is activated by UV radiation using a photoinitiator before the graft polymerization. 10. A method for preparing an antimicrobial copolymer, characterized in that vinyl ethers of the following general formula are copolymerized with at least one aliphatic unsaturated monomer, said general formula being: Wherein R ¹ is a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R ² , R ³ are H, a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, wherein R ² and ^R3 may be the same or different. 11. Process according to claim 10, characterized in that 3-aminopropyl vinyl ether is used as vinyl ether. 12. Process according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the aliphatically unsaturated monomer is a methacrylic compound. 13. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the aliphatically unsaturated monomer is an acrylic compound. 14. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the aliphatic unsaturated monomer used is methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, Ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, tert-butylaminoethyl, 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-diethylaminoethyl vinyl ether, N-3-dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, 3-methacryloylaminopropyltrimethylammonium chloride, 2-methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride or 2-methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride Ammonium Methyl Methosulfate. 15. Process according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the copolymerization is carried out on a substrate. 16. Process according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the copolymerization is carried out as a graft polymerization of the substrate. 17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the substrate is activated by UV radiation, plasma treatment, corona treatment, flame treatment, ozone treatment, electrical discharge or gamma-radiation before the graft polymerization. 18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the substrate is activated by UV radiation using a photoinitiator before the graft polymerization. 19. Use of an antimicrobial polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the production of a product with an antimicrobial polymer coating. 20. Use of an antimicrobial polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the production of a medical product with an antimicrobial polymer coating. 21. Use of an antimicrobial polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for the production of hygiene articles with an antimicrobial polymer coating. 22. Use of an antimicrobial polymer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in surface coatings, protective lacquers or other coatings.